2015 Year In Review

AN EXPERIENCE I WILL NOT SOON FORGET On Saturday we hosted a Star Wars movie night for local families with DMD and Mitchell's Journey supporters. Upon hearing the news of our upcoming event, a friend and colleague offered to pay for half of the theater. I was so touched by his generosity. He couldn't make it, but wished he could have seen the look of joy on these young boy's faces. And though this man was blessed with material wealth, he knew what truly makes a rich life. It was a night I will always remember. We met some DMD families for the first time and reunited with some we hadn't seen in a while. In my heart I wanted it to be more than an event ... I wanted it to be an experience. We always walk away from events ... but we take experiences with us. They linger in our hearts and they shape what we become. I hope it was an experience. Prior to the movie, instead of showing upcoming movie trailers I welcomed everyone and then shared a short video I made just a few hours prior with a 2015 Year in Review. We accounted for the money we raised at our Miles for Mitchell 5K and the families and programs we supported. Toward the end of the video (~6:18) we had something special for all the young DMD boys in attendance. As they saw their names appear on screen in Star Wars fashion, the entire theater stood to their feet and clapped and cheered for these young boys and their families. I cried as I witnessed their deep compassion. After the movie started, I in the hallway and wept because I knew Mitch would have loved to be there as a young boy. I quickly wiped my tears because I knew this night wasn't about my own grief but about the families in attendance. At least for me, this was an experience I will not soon forget. Perhaps a weary heart found a little hope that night, or a biologically marooned teenager felt they weren't so alone, maybe a frightened parent found fresh courage ... as for me, I discovered a deeper resolve to help those who hurt.